nets 3 arrests on drug, prostitution charges

The Melbourne Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) conducted an operation last week targeting suspects who use Craigslist.com and Backpage.com to advertise for prostitution. Arrested were Lyssa Calio, 40, on Solicitation to Commit Prostitution and Possession of Drug Paraphenalia charges; Laura Short, 36, on Solicitation to Commit Prostitution charges; and Nicole Ashley Lynch, 25, on Solicitation to Commit Prostitution. (MPD images)

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – The Melbourne Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) conducted an operation last week targeting suspects who use Craigslist.com and Backpage.com to advertise for prostitution.

According to Melbourne Police Commander Dan Lynch, the women were using slang terms for money such as “roses” and “donations” in an effort to avoid prostitution charges. One of the suspects was found to have heroin paraphernalia on her person when she was arrested.

“The Melbourne Police Department actively investigates these crimes as they are problematic for our local residents who see an influx of drug and prostitution activity in seemingly quiet neighborhoods,” said Commander Lynch in a release.

If anyone has a potential drug or prostitution problem in their neighborhood they are encouraged to call Crimeline or the Melbourne Police Department Anonymous Drug Tip Line at 321-608-8447.

If someone has any information about these crimes or any other crimes please call Central Florida Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477). Calls to Crimeline are anonymous, and tips that lead to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.